Rumor: Vikings interested in signing former Bengals defensive tackle
By Adam Patrick
The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly contacted the people who represent free-agent defensive tackle Domata Peko about possibly joining the team this season.
Since teams have been allowed to begin negotiations with impending free-agents on Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings have not made a whole lot of noise. Well to be truly honest, they have not really been included in the discussions involving most of this offseason’s top free-agents.
But on Wednesday, the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson reported that the Vikings are showing some interest in free-agent defensive tackle Domata Peko who last played for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016. Tomasson also mentioned that there are other teams around the NFL interested in Peko’s services, but Minnesota may have a slight edge given that the defensive tackle is familiar with Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer.
Source says #Vikings have reached out to reps of Cincy FA DT Domata Peko. Also in mix are Cincy, Philly, SF. Peko is a Mike Zimmer favorite.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) March 8, 2017
Peko is 6-foot-3, 307 pound beast of human being who has played all 11 of his seasons in the league with the Bengals. Based on his age (32), a one or two-year contract is likely what Minnesota would offer the defensive tackle.
His skills on the field could be very useful for the Vikings in their effort to improve their run defense. Overall, Minnesota’s defense is one of the NFL’s best, but stopping the run is an area that they could afford to work on this offseason.
In 2016, the Vikings defense ranked 20th in the league in average rushing yards allowed per game. Something Zimmer cannot be too happy about.
Next: Vikings' rumored to have interest in former Chargers offensive lineman
So while adding Peko to their defense may not be the flashiest of moves Minnesota could make this offseason, it could prove to be one of the most vital.